HYDERABAD: Efforts are under way to exploit solar energy, and also the Thar coal reserves, to overcome shortage of electricity.

The solar energy project, besides providing electricity, would boost industrialisation in the province, said Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

A meeting was held on Thursday night in this regard with the management of a company that showed interest in the solar power project, while the government was keen on establishing plants in each district with a capacity of 50 MW each, the chief minister said.

Thar coal reserves were being utilised with a view to ridding the country of loadshedding within the shortest possible time, he said.

He categorically stated that the government would not compromise on the rights of Sindh which was evident from the firm stand it took regarding the Kalabagh Dam, implementation of 1991 Water Accord, the NFC Award and ownership of Thar coal.

He wondered as to what kept the nationalists mum over the influx of outsiders during the reign of dictators.

The services PPP was providing would nullify the tactics of anti-democratic elements in misguiding and blackmailing people of Sindh, he said.

The PPP took reigns at a time when the world was passing through economic recession and even developed countries were laying off millions of people but the government not only sustained the pressure rather opened up employment opportunities for over one hundred thousand youth, said the chief minister.

He assured of restoring the jobs of those retrenched from the national institutions.

Presently, some 41,000 youths were being provided training along with stipend in different trades and professions and on completion would be absorbed, he said adding that another 70,000 would benefit this year under the Benazir Bhutto Youth Development Programme.

Reflecting on budgetary allocations, the Chief Minister said that Rs55 billion had been earmarked for development works and Rs2.5 billion for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis.

He said that 100 per cent increase were effectuated for education sector wherein incentive money for girl students raised to Rs2,400 per annum from Rs1,000, and in Thar to Rs3,400.

Plans to provide milk and biscuits to school children were under way for keeping them healthy, he said.
The government was paying thrice the salary amount to doctors performing welfare services in the desert and backward areas, he added.

The Sindh Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the 16th Death Anniversary of Shaheed Dr Mohammad Ismail Odhejo organised by Shaheed Dr Mohammad Ismail Odhejo Memorial Committee in collaboration with the PPP District Badin, in Matli on Friday.

He lauded the services of Dr Mohammad Ismail Odhejo and said that he was a talented member of his cabinet, sympathetic to the poor and a true PPP worker.

The CM announced a development package for Matli. Earlier, he visited the grave of Dr Mohammad Ismail Odhejo and offered Fateha.

The Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, Sindh Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Durrani, MNA Mahesh Malani, District President PPP Badin Dr Sikandar Mandro, Ex-District Nazim Badin Kamal Khan Chang and Saleem Odhejo, son of Dr Mohammad Ismail Odhejo eulogized the services of Dr Mohammad Ismail Odhejo.